Canadiens News

Summer of Georges

MONTREAL - Summer. A time for relaxing, working on bronzing that winter white skin and doing as little as possible. For Georges Laraque, though, summertime is anything but a walk in the park.

Since launching his new website last month, Laraque’s calendar has been filling up quickly. Between training, charity work and social engagements, the Habs’ bruising enforcer is busier than ever.

“There are a lot of causes I’m directly involved with and really take to heart,” explained Laraque, who inked a three-year deal with the Canadiens last July. “I spend a lot of time on my site. You can find out anything about me there and the fans can follow what I’m up to, communicate with me and check out what activities I have lined up.”

In addition to the charities and benefits the 6-foot-3 winger attends daily, he is adamant about making time for any and every event lined up for him by the Montreal Canadiens Children’s Foundation.

“Every day, I’m doing something, either in the community, in a hospital, at a school or on a field – it doesn’t matter,” offered Laraque, who personally responds to the hundreds of emails he receives daily.

The newly-vegetarian 32-year-old has recently directed his energy towards a new cause, hoping to bring awareness to the issue amongst his fan base.

“Since I’ve been speaking out for the protection of animals, I’ve been getting a lot of feedback and visits to the site from people all around the United States and people who don’t really know anything about hockey,” he added.

With so much on his plate, when does the hulking No. 17 plan on taking a vacation?

“Taking a vacation? This is my vacation. I have tons of energy, I like to move around and get involved with different things and I just can’t sit still and do nothing,” explained the Montreal native.

“Besides, what is a vacation anyway, really? Sitting on a beach somewhere, getting a tan? I’ve already got the tan,” laughed Laraque. “Being involved in what I care about is my full time job.”